Research Manager for the Central African Republic, based in Bangui At IMPACT Initiatives

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IMPACT INITIATIVES

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2010. It stands out as the largest independent data provider in crisis contexts. The organization manages several initiatives, including REACH, PANDA, and AGORA, and is composed of specialists in data collection, management, and analysis, and GIS. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO based in Paris, with which it maintains a global partnership. This partnership allows IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support in its areas of intervention.

IMPACT’s mission is to support humanitarian, stabilization, and development actors by providing evidence-based information to improve decision-making. The organization operates in 37 countries and implemented 183 projects in 2023, publishing more than 2,000 information products. Its methodological approach is based on direct engagement with local communities, rigorous data collection, partnership building, and the use of innovative tools to better understand humanitarian needs.

We are currently looking for a Research Manager to support our Central African Republic (CAR) team.

Title : Research Manager

Contract duration : 6 months

Work location : Bangui, with the possibility of travel to the sub-prefecture

Start date : 01/2026.

COUNTRY PROFILE

The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, requiring rapid response mechanisms to address growing challenges. In 2025, 37.5% of the population, or 2.4 million people, will live in extreme vulnerability due to decades of armed conflict, widespread poverty, and climate shocks. This situation is exacerbated by persistent security instability, mass displacement, and natural disasters threatening food security and livelihoods. Meanwhile, the economy remains fragile, with projected growth of 2.9% insufficient to offset high inflation of 3.4%, which is eroding household purchasing power. Poverty affects 71% of Central Africans, while chronic electricity shortages and a lack of investment are hampering economic recovery. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan requires $326.1 million in funding to provide lifesaving assistance with food, clean water, and medical care.

Since 2015, IMPACT Initiatives, through its REACH initiative, has supported rapid response in CAR, and since 2019, REACH activities have grown drastically, with the implementation of multi-sectoral needs assessments throughout the country, activities in hard-to-reach areas, activities in support of the Cash Working Group, ad-hoc assessments to support specific clusters (WASH, Education), infrastructure mapping activities, and emergency mapping in clear development. To support this significant increase in REACH activities (in addition to other activities), it was decided to create a multi-sectoral unit to bring together under common management all multi-sectoral activities and assessments, and thus ensure the relevance and strategic impact of these activities on humanitarian actors and the response in CAR in general.

FUNCTIONS

Under the direction of the Country Representative (CR), the research manager supervises the programs and staff of the research unit.

Within their unit, the Research Manager leads the IMPACT team to achieve program excellence and ensure the highest level of impact and accountability, while ensuring compliance with IMPACT guidelines and standards.

As a member of the country leadership team, he/she contributes to the development and implementation of IMPACT’s national strategy, and promotes the organization’s vision and core values ​​across the mission.

As part of his/her mission, the Research Manager will be hosted by Acted and will therefore fully comply with Acted’s rules and regulations regarding security, human resources, administration and logistics and, in coordination with Acted, will ensure that IMPACT staff in his/her unit comply with them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Research Manager (RM) are as follows:

RESEARCH PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

  • Context Analysis: With particular attention to the technical, programmatic and institutional orientation of his/her unit, and in coordination with the RP, the RM will ensure that IMPACT has an up-to-date understanding of the following:
  • The socio-economic situation of the country, the impact of a crisis and the aid/humanitarian situation;
  • Aid/humanitarian planning, coordination and response mechanisms, as well as the main aid/humanitarian stakeholders.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of a unit strategy aligned with national and global priorities, and fully integrated into the country strategy; play a leading role in identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen IMPACT’s work in the country within the framework of its unit; in particular:
    • Consolidate and strengthen ongoing programming and operations within the unit;
    • Ensure that the unit’s activities are relevant and have a measurable impact on humanitarian aid/response;
    • Identify new programs and approaches in which the unit can add value to humanitarian aid/response;
    • Monitor opportunities for program development and strengthening of unit interventions;
    • In coordination with the RP, identify funding opportunities to consolidate, strengthen and/or expand the unit’s programs;
    • Ensure that team members within the unit are aware of the unit strategy (as well as the national and global strategy) and their contribution and role within it.

RESEARCH PLANNING

  • Ensure that all research is planned in accordance with relevant project and programme objectives and unit or country strategy.
  • Ensure that all research complies with IMPACT Headquarters Research Service guidelines and other relevant guidelines;
  • Ensure that the required secondary data analysis has been carried out for evaluation;
  • For each assessment, review the ToR before they are sent to Geneva for validation and ensure that the ToR are validated by headquarters before any data collection begins;
  • Ensure that the ToR are understood and used by evaluation staff and stakeholders, and updated as necessary;
  • Track progress and delays of all assigned assessments throughout the research cycle.
  • Ensure that any delays or challenges identified for specific assessments are reported to the RP and HQ Research Department in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that relevant stakeholders and partners are involved in the design and planning of the evaluation.

IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH

  • Ensure that data collectors are identified and trained for primary data collection;
  • Monitor data collection, ensuring its correct implementation in accordance with the agreed terms of reference;
  • Ensure that the Country Coordinator, IMPACT Research Department at HQ and the Country Program Director are alerted of any issues preventing the full implementation of the methodology in accordance with the agreed terms of reference; ensure that all changes to the methodology are documented throughout implementation;
  • Ensure that logistical, financial, administrative, security and human resources processes directly related to the work of the unit and the ongoing evaluation have been correctly implemented and coordinated with the relevant Acted services.
  • Ensure that regular status updates on data collection have been produced and disseminated to relevant IMPACT, Acted and external counterparts. Provide support and follow up on challenges identified during the data collection process;
  • Ensure that all collected data is stored in accordance with IMPACT’s Data Management Guidelines and Terms of Reference (Data Management Plan Annex);
  • Ensure that data is reviewed and cleaned, and that all revisions are recorded;
  • Supervise the analysis of data collected in accordance with the terms of reference;
  • Ensure that meaningful techniques are used to analyze the data collected;
  • Ensure that the data and its analysis are validated by IMPACT headquarters before the product writing phase;
  • Ensure that data and its analysis do not contain personal information and are validated by IMPACT headquarters before being shared with external parties.
  • Maintain regular communication with IMPACT headquarters on the progress and deadlines of written products;
  • Ensure the production of accurate and timely evaluation products (reports, fact sheets, etc.), in accordance with IMPACT guidelines and quality standards;
  • Review all products before they are sent to PR or IMPACT headquarters for validation;
  • Ensure that all written products are validated by IMPACT headquarters before their external distribution.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND LEARNING PROCESS

  • Ensure the development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system/plan for each program within the unit, in accordance with IMPACT monitoring and evaluation guidelines;
  • Lead internal and external program evaluations, as necessary, and ensure the execution of baseline, periodic and final evaluations, as necessary;
  • Ensure that the unit learns from relevant best practices internally and externally, both nationally and internationally, and makes these lessons available to other programs; organize a program review workshop and document lessons learned at the end of each program.
  • Share and consolidate knowledge at unit level, with the country SMT and (where appropriate) with global units and communities of practice.
  • Organize and participate in knowledge sharing and lessons learned exercises between agencies and stakeholders.

PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT

PROJECT AND GRANT MANAGEMENT

  • Management of all project and grant cycles within his unit (in coordination with the RP).
  • Monitor internal project cycle management processes (kick-off/end meetings, project briefs, etc.), as well as external donor reporting requirements.
  • Monitor achievement of results, cash burn rates and ensure timely completion of projects by reviewing BFUs, project information sheets and project reports;
  • Ensure that contractual obligations are met in terms of deliverables and narrative and financial reporting, in close coordination with the RP, and (where applicable) with ACTED’s PD and Finance departments;
  • Ensure that contractual monitoring and evaluation indicators are identified and monitored in a timely manner;
  • Provide ad hoc support to project implementation by resolving issues and eliminating bottlenecks;
  • Ensure adequate contribution to project and proposal tracking tools through timely submission of the monthly updated RFU (Reporting Follow Up) tool.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

  • Anticipate financial risks and funding gaps;
  • Control project budgets within units to avoid under- and over-spending, in liaison with the RP and (where applicable) the IMPACT and Acted finance departments;
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, in conjunction with the PR and (where applicable) the IMPACT and Acted finance departments;
  • Ensure accurate monitoring of budgetary expenditure and forecasts, in conjunction with the RP and (where applicable) with IMPACT and Acted finance;

ASSET AND IT MANAGEMENT

  • Ensure appropriate asset management;
  • Ensure appropriate IT systems, data backup and protection against malware;
  • Ensure sufficient and reliable means of communication;
  • Ensure regular liaison with the IMPACT headquarters center and (where applicable) with Acted’s logistics and IT departments;
  • Ensure the use of the country server for secure storage and sharing of internal documentation.

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTION

LEADERSHIP

  • Provide leadership within their unit as well as within the country leadership team.
  • Transmit the values ​​and vision of IMPACT, as well as their implementation within its unit.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

  • Ensure that the staff in his unit understand and are able to assume his roles and responsibilities;
  • Ensure that all staff in the unit have clear and regularly updated terms of reference, work plans and key performance indicators against which their performance will be assessed;
  • Promote team spirit, productivity and staff well-being;
  • Coach and support the unit team to build capacity and improve effectiveness and performance;
  • Manage interpersonal conflicts within the unit;
  • Provide regular updates with the RP on staff potential, career management, training opportunities, contractual issues, difficulties encountered or expressed by staff in the field;
  • Ensure that communication and liaison with the RP and (where applicable) HQ HR is established immediately in the event of an HR issue of a member of the unit;
  • Ensure that all unit staff receive appropriate induction and training upon arrival/hiring;
  • Ensure that all unit staff receive regular training on IMPACT’s code of conduct and policies.

ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

  • In support of the RP, ensure the transparent and rapid identification and recruitment of staff working in the unit;
  • In coordination with the RP and (for national staff, where applicable) Acted HR, proactively adapt the unit staff structure to needs and funding;
  • Develop and update the country unit organizational chart and staff recruitment plan, in accordance with the needs of the unit strategy and existing budgetary and programmatic requirements;
  • Ensure regular performance evaluation and career management of all unit staff;
  • Ensure accurate and timely HR reporting;
  • Ensure that staff attendance sheets, leave plans and exit forms leave the unit in a timely manner.

INTERNAL COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

  • Facilitate internal communication within the unit team and the sharing of information for a positive working environment;
  • Ensure the establishment of regular unit team meetings;
  • Ensure regular reporting to the RP;
  • Ensure that any risks to IMPACT programming, projects or staff are communicated as soon as possible to, and understood by, the RP and (where appropriate) the IMPACT Country Program Director and relevant Heads of Department at HQ.

COORDINATION WITH ACTED – valid in all countries where IMPACT teams are hosted by Acted

  • Ensure regular coordination with Project Development, Finance and other ACTED departments at all stages of the development and implementation of the Unit’s projects, including participation in project kick-off meetings and lessons learned meetings, support in drafting monthly internal updates (BFU, RFU, allocation tables, etc.), and support in drafting donor reports or amendment requests;
  • Ensure compliance of all IMPACT unit personnel with Acted FLAT and security procedures;
  • Ensure that all Unit staff are aware of and fully comply with Acted regulations in terms of administration, logistics and security;
  • Ensures that the Unit’s movements are coordinated with and validated by the Acted security department, according to the frequency and modalities requested by the latter;
  • Liaise regularly with Acted administration and finance to plan travel, trips and relations with Unit staff;
  • Immediately inform and coordinate with the PR and the Acted Country Director (CD) if any IMPACT staff member, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision, does not comply with Acted rules, particularly regarding security.

INFLUENCE EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

  • External engagement related to research, product dissemination and evaluation
  • In coordination with the National Coordinator, ensure that relevant partners are consulted and involved at all stages of the research cycle: evaluation preparation, data collection, data analysis, review of research products, dissemination of products and lessons learned; ensure that partner engagement is documented;
  • Ensure that external communications with partners and key stakeholders, including relevant UN agencies, local and national government, and NGOs have been conducted and documented as appropriate for each research cycle;
  • Under the direction of the National Coordinator, engage in the dissemination of research products, including through articles, IMPACT social media content, targeted emails, presentations, meetings, etc., in accordance with IMPACT’s Dissemination and External Communication Guidelines and the Research ToR;
  • Under the supervision of IMPACT HQ, ensure that research products are uploaded to the relevant data portals as outlined in the research ToR;
  • Ensure that lessons learned are collected and documented at the end of each research cycle;
  • Support the National Coordinator in conducting monitoring and evaluation, as specified in the research terms of reference and in accordance with IMPACT guidelines.

EXTERNAL STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

  • External strategic engagement and dissemination of results with key stakeholders, as well as coordination of external engagement by all unit staff.
  • Under the direction of the RP, lead the development of content and information for advocacy at the national level
  • Development of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and humanitarian decision-makers
  • Communication and consultation with the RP and other members of the SMT, including sharing relevant information and ensuring effective and productive links with the SMT
  • Ensure coordinated and positive interactions between the Unit and Acted staff.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

  • Support the IMPACT National Coordinator in external engagement related to IMPACT strategy or (upon request and with the focal point) in fundraising and grant management.
  • Develop proposals, concept notes and budget in close coordination with the IMPACT Country Coordinator, in line with unit and country strategies.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Academic background: Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, political science, social research, economics, development studies, or similar).
  • Management Experience: Previous experience in a management role in an INGO field setting. Proven experience in managing international and national teams in humanitarian settings.
  • Familiarity with the aid system: Knowledge of humanitarian coordination and the research community;
  • Communication and Report Writing Skills Excellent communication and effective report writing skills, including proven experience in contributing to high-level presentations/briefings.
  • Years of professional experience At least 3 years of relevant professional experience or proven progression within IMPACT.
  • Research Skills : Excellent research and analytical skills are an asset. Experience in evaluations. Monitoring and evaluation, field research and assessments are an asset.
  • Software Skills : Proven knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of R, SPSS, and/or STATA or other statistical analysis software is an asset.
  • Diverse Task Management Skills Ability to multi-task under tight deadlines, across multiple research cycles in a complex environment;
  • Level of Independence A self-reliant individual with a proven ability to work independently;
  • Intercultural work environment Ability to function in an intercultural environment requiring flexibility;
  • Experience in the geographic region Previous experience in the [relevant] region is desirable;
  • Language skills Fluency in French and English is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • For this position, the salary ranges from CHF 3,360 to CHF 3,480 per month (before income tax), plus a monthly subsistence allowance of USD 300. NB – Salaries at IMPACT are strictly determined by the salary scale based on the position grade and the staff’s education level. A security and/or isolation adjustment, depending on the location of assignment, is then applied in recognition of the fact that some staff members work in settings where living and working conditions are much more challenging than elsewhere.
  • Accommodation in a guest house.
  • Affiliation to a Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance.
  • Airfare every 6 months and visa costs covered (internal travel costs and business expenses are fully covered).
  • R&R leave after 2-3 months (airfare up to USD 500 + USD 200 subsistence allowance), if the duty station allows.
  • Contribution to baggage transport: between 20 and 100 kg depending on the duration of the contract (+ baggage and personal property insurance).
  • Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave where applicable.
  • Pre-departure induction: 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives headquarters in Geneva + one week of pre-departure training at ACTED headquarters in Paris, including a 4-day on-site safety training.
  • IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff. The health insurance offered covers up to €1,000 per year in psychosocial support costs.

How to apply

Please apply directly on the website: Research Manager for the Central African Republic, Based in Bangui (Link For External Applicants) | Impact